Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 11:2 (Spring 1970)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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GJ 11:2 (Spr 70) p. 41

Book Reviews

What’s New in Religion? By Kenneth Hamilton. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, 1968. $3.95.

New theologies, new moralities, or are they, really? Kenneth Hamilton seeks to demonstrate that what seems new is really a recasting in different verbiage of ideas that have crossed the theological and moral ethics stages in the past. Hamilton’s thesis is discussed in Part 1 of his book. Part 2 analyzes various new religious themes in four subdivisions. Hamilton’s Part 2 looks at the chief elements of the more conspicuous theological tenets palmed off as uniquely different religious topics. Part 3 is devoted to Bonhoeffer’s “worldly” Christianity. Part 4 deals with the secular in faith and morals. Hamilton concludes with assorted treatments of liberalism and conservatism with consideration of the conflicts between them.

Hamilton demonstrates an understanding grasp of the doctrines of the new theologies and doctrinal offshoots. Perhaps a bit too advanced for the average layman, Hamilton’s book is a useful tool for seminary students and ministers desiring to be knowledgeable in the new theologies without bogging down in special seminary religion courses. Read Hamilton’s book. Then see if the themes he discusses are easier to comprehend. If, then, you have difficulties with the new religious thinking, do not blame Kenneth Hamilton. Condemn the complexities of the new theologies!

One thing for sure, Hamilton’s book can save ministers a heavy cash outlay in the original texts of the doctrinal systems underlying the new religion.

Benjamin A. Hamilton
Grace Theological Seminary

Conquest and Crisis. By John J. Davis. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1969. $2.95. 176 pp (paper).

Pastors, teachers and laymen will welcome this concise analysis of Israel’s history according to Joshua, Judges and Ruth. In our day when liberals rewrite, redate and reduce Biblical history, more scholarly

GJ 11:2 (Spr 70) p. 42

pens like this one need to write. Dr. John J. Davis systematically considers the messages of these books adding light from recent archaeological findings, ancient Near Eastern history and the Hebrew text. He conservatively maintains the inspiration of the Word and the unity of the books.

The author faces the difficult problems, gives possible solutions and accepts a personal view: e.g. Joshua’s extended light by refraction (p. 66), the supernatural collapse of Jericho’s walls (pp. 46, 47), and the supply of wives to Benjamin without breaking of the oath (p. 152). Examples of moral problems under his consideration are Rahab’s ‘situational’ lie (p. 35), ...

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